West Knolls Neighborhood, West Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in West Des Moines
Is West Knolls Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. West Knolls in West Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 34, which is 66% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the West Des Moines average (crime index 124), West Knolls is 90% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than West Des Moines as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 91, 9% below average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 16).
West Knolls Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and West Des Moines city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
16 | -84% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
33 | -67% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
53 | -47% | Low | |
How West Knolls Compares
Crime index by category: West Knolls vs West Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West Knolls Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
West Knolls Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West Knolls, West Des Moines?
West Knolls in West Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 34, which is 66% below the national average. Compared to the West Des Moines average, crime in West Knolls is 90% lower.
Is West Knolls a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines?
West Knolls is generally considered a safe neighborhood in West Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 91), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 16).
How does West Knolls compare to the rest of West Des Moines?
West Knolls's overall crime index is 34, compared to the West Des Moines average of 124. This means crime in West Knolls is 90% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 58, and for property crime it is 59. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in West Knolls?
The most prevalent crime type in West Knolls is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 91 (9% below the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near West Knolls?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Valley Junction. These areas are close to West Knolls and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West Knolls?
West Knolls has a population of approximately 95. The median household income is $129,911. The median home value is $249,259. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West Knolls crime compare to the national average?
West Knolls's overall crime rate is 66% below the national average (index 34 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.